Snow guard for roofs

ABSTRACT

The snow guard for roofs includes a plurality of slotted brackets, which are permanently installed atop the roof structure. A snow fence is removably installed in the slots of the brackets, permitting the user to remove the fence as needed for the deliberate removal of snow from the roof in a safe and predetermined manner. The slots of the brackets extend only partially toward the bottoms of the brackets, thus placing the lower edge of the snow fence elevated above the underlying roof structure. This provides clearance between the snow fence and any strengthening ribs or ridges formed in the roof covering, as are typically provided in sheet metal covered roofs. The brackets are preferably attached along the eaves of the roof outboard of the wall structure to preclude leakage through the mounting holes and water damage to the interior of the structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to retaining devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a snow guard for installation on a sloped roof to prevent the sudden and unexpected sliding of snow from the roof.

2. Description of the Related Art

The accumulation of snow upon roofs can be a major problem in many areas of the world. Generally, roofs tend to be constructed with steeper pitches in areas with greater snowfall in order to allow the snow to slide from the roof slope to avoid excessive snow loads on the roof structure. Steeper roof pitches are also capable of supporting greater snow loads, as well.

Snow does not typically slide from a sloped structure immediately upon contacting the structure. Rather, the first snow tends to adhere to the underlying structure, with additional snow adhering to the first snow. The buildup continues until a significant amount of snow has accumulated on the structure. When the proper conditions occur, e.g., sufficient mass of snow in combination with sufficient heat radiating through the roof structure to melt the snow immediately adjacent to the roof, the snow tends to release from the sloped structure all at once. This can result in extremely hazardous conditions for anyone immediately beneath the eaves of the roof when the snow slide occurs if sufficient snow has built up, particularly if some melting and refreezing, or freezing rain, has occurred to form large masses of ice.

Accordingly, various means of controlling the sliding, or avalanching of snow from sloped or gabled roofs have been developed in the past. Various mounting or attachment systems have been used in the past for the installation of snow guards for roofs. An example of such is found in European Patent No. 389,438, published on Sep. 26, 1989, which discloses a series of embodiments of snow guards, with each using a clip principle to hook or catch beneath the edge of a tile on a tiled roof. A retainer is adjustably attached to the hook or catch portion, to clasp the edge of the tile between the two components. The entire snow guard structure must be removed from its attachment to the tiles in order to remove the fence or retainer portion for snow removal from the roof.

Another example of a snow guard is found in Japanese Patent No. 5-52,063, published on Mar. 2, 1993. According to the drawings and English abstract, the device comprises various embodiments of a snow guard or fence attached along the eaves of the roof. The device comprises a series of horizontal or vertical bars, or an open mesh.

Yet another example is found in German Patent No. 4,235,478, published on Apr. 28, 1994. The device comprises an elongate mounting bracket having an I-beam cross section, with the upper flange shorter than the lower flange and the web tapering between the two. A single round bar is installed through a passage in the web of the mounting bracket.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, a snow guard for roofs solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The snow guard for roofs serves to prevent the accidental or unplanned sliding or avalanching of snow from a gabled roof. The device has a series of slotted brackets, which are permanently attached to the roof, preferably through the eaves thereof outside of the walls of the structure. A single, flat snow fence is removably placed in the slots of the mounting brackets. The slots of the brackets preferably extend only partially from the top of the brackets toward their bases, thus elevating the lower edge of the snow fence component above the surface of the roof. This enables the snow guard to be installed upon metal or other roof surfaces having strengthening ribs or ridges extending from the ridgeline to the eaves, with the lower edge of the snow fence clearing the ribs or ridges to avoid damage thereto.

The mounting brackets may be secured through the metal (or other) roof covering and underlying sheathing, or may be secured through stringers supporting the overlying metal roof sheathing. The slotted mounting brackets permit the snow fence to be quickly and easily lifted from the brackets whenever desired, thus permitting the user of the device to remove accumulated snow from the roof structure in a deliberate manner when safe, rather than risking random snow slides from an unguarded roof.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a snow guard for roofs according to the present invention, showing its installation and general configuration.

FIG. 2 is an exploded environmental perspective view of the snow guard of FIG. 1, showing an exemplary installation of one of the brackets and the snow fence portion of the device lifted from its receiving slots in the brackets.

FIG. 3 is an environmental end elevation view of an exemplary sheathed roof structure, showing further installation details of the snow guard of the present invention and alternative slot configurations for the brackets.

FIG. 4 is an environmental end elevation view of a roof structure having a series of horizontal stringers supporting the sheet roof covering, with the brackets attached through one of the stringers.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention comprises various embodiments of a snow guard for roofs, serving to prevent random or accidental slippage of snow from a sloped roof, yet allowing a user of the snow guard to deliberately remove snow from the roof as needed. While the snow guard is particularly adapted for use on roofs having sheet metal sheathing or corrugated roofing, it may be used with other types of roofs as well, if so desired.

FIG. 1 of the drawings provides an environmental perspective view of the snow guard 10 in an exemplary installation on a sloped or gabled roof R covered with sheet metal sheathing M. Such metal sheathing M is generally provided with additional stiffening corrugations C and overlapping seams or joints J, which are raised above the surface of the sheet metal M. The snow guard 10 includes a series of spaced apart snow fence mounting brackets 12, which are attached to the structure of the roof R, preferably through the eaves E to the exterior of the outer walls of the structure. This eaves installation positions all bracket attachment holes to the outside of the exterior walls, thus precluding any leakage through such holes into the interior of the structure. However, the present snow guard 10 could be secured to the roof R somewhat further toward the roof crest and over the interior of the structure, if so desired.

Each of the snow fence mounting brackets 12 includes a roof surface attachment flange 14 which rests upon the roof surface M (or other sheathing material) when the brackets 12 are installed atop the roof R. The roof attachment flange 14 of each bracket 12 includes at least one, and preferably two, attachment holes 16 therethrough (visible in the unattached bracket in FIG. 2) for the installation of a corresponding number of roof sheathing through-bolts 18 for securing the brackets 12 to the underlying roof structure R. Preferably through-bolts 18 and nuts 20 (FIGS. 2 through 4) are used to secure the brackets 12 to the roof R, rather than lag screws or similar fasteners that do not penetrate completely through the underlying material.

The use of through-bolts and nuts provides a much more secure installation for the brackets 12. By installing the brackets 12 through the eaves E of the roof structure, the mounting holes through the roof sheathing are disposed externally to the walls of the structure so that any leakage through the mounting holes remains to the exterior of the structure, rather than entering the attic or ceiling of the structure. However, the brackets 12 could be installed through the roof structure above the interior of the structure, if so desired. In any event, appropriate sealing or caulking materials (e.g., conventional silicone sealants, etc.) are preferably used to seal the holes through the roof structure in order to preclude water damage to the conventional wood structure and/or leakage therethrough.

Each of the snow fence mounting brackets 12 includes a snow fence mounting flange 22 extending upwardly therefrom, with the snow fence mounting flange being substantially normal to the roof attachment flange 14 of the corresponding bracket 12, the brackets 12 being angle brackets or L-shaped brackets. The two flanges 14 and 22 may form a right angle cross section, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or may alternatively be in the form of a T section with the snow fence mounting flange 22 joined medially to the roof attachment flange 14, with both configurations providing the appearance shown in the side elevation views of the brackets 14 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Each snow fence mounting flange 22 has an upper edge 24, with a snow fence mounting slot 26 extending from the upper edge 24 of the flange 22 toward the roof attachment flange 14. The slots 26 do not extend completely to the bases of the flanges 22 where they meet their respective roof attachment flanges 14, but have a lower limit 28 elevated somewhat above the roof attachment flanges 14. This positions the lower point 28 of each slot 26 somewhat above the surface of the roof R, and particularly above the crests of the stiffening corrugations C and joints J of a corrugated sheet metal M roof surface, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this manner, the lower edge 30 of the snow fence element 32 installed in the slots 26 is positioned or spaced somewhat above the roof surface attachment flange 14 of each of the snow fence mounting brackets 12, and thus above the underlying corrugations C or joints J of the roof surface, generally as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This precludes any abrasion or other possible damage to the roof sheathing due to contact with the snow fence 32, as the snow fence cannot come into direct contact with the roof structure due to its support above the roof by the limited depth of the slots 26 of the mounting brackets 12.

The removable snow fence element 32 preferably comprises a single elongate, flat, solid length of material having a thin, rectangular cross section, generally as shown in its end view in FIGS. 3 and 4. The snow fence element 32 is preferably formed of a relatively narrow sheet of aluminum plate having sufficient thickness to limit bending due to snow loads thereon, e.g., ±4 inch. Other thicknesses may be used as desired, depending upon the height of the fence element 32, the anticipated snow loads, the slope of the roof, and the material used for the fence 32. The slots 26 formed in the snow fence mounting flanges 22 of the mounting brackets have a width corresponding to the thickness of the snow fence element 32, or very slightly wider in order to avoid interference when installing the fence 32 in the slots 26. The snow fence 32 rests within the slots 26 of the mounting brackets 12, and may be removed merely by lifting the fence 32 from the slots 26 for snow removal from the roof as needed. The mounting brackets 12 are also preferably formed of aluminum, with the aluminum material providing superior corrosion resistance in comparison to untreated mild steel. The aluminum may be anodized or coated for further corrosion protection, if so desired. Any suitable materials other than aluminum may be used alternatively to form the brackets 12 and/or snow fence 32.

FIG. 3 illustrates alternative slot orientations for the snow fence support or mounting bracket 12. Preferably, the snow fence mounting slot 32 is normal to the plane of the roof surface attachment flange 14 of each bracket 12, i.e., forming a right angle to the roof surface attachment flange 14, and thus to the roof surface as well when the brackets 12 are secured thereto. However, the mounting slots 32 may be cut or otherwise formed at other than a right angle to the attachment flange 14. FIG. 3 illustrates this, with alternative slot orientations 26 a and 26 b shown in broken lines and forming acute angles to the plane of the attachment flange 14 and underlying roof surface. In the case of the alternative slot position 26 a, the slot 26 a is sloped toward the crest of the roof to form an upslope acute angle with the roof surface. The other alternative slot position 26 b forms a downslope acute angle toward the eaves edge. The angle of the slot 26 a or 26 b may be formed as desired, depending upon the anticipated snow loads, the slope of the roof, and perhaps other factors as well.

FIG. 4 of the drawings illustrates the installation of the present snow guard 10 upon the eaves E of a roof R having a somewhat different structure than that shown in FIG. 3. The roof structure R of FIG. 4 utilizes a series of horizontal stringers S installed across the slopes of the roof rafters or beams B, with the metal roof sheathing M attached directly to the stringers rather than to continuous underlying sheathing. Accordingly, the snow fence mounting brackets 12 are attached through the stringers S by means of through-bolts 18 and nuts 20 in order to provide sufficient attachment strength. The attachment of the brackets 12 through the relatively thin sheet metal M would not provide sufficient strength for the assembly, and would likely result in damage to the sheet metal M with any appreciable snow load.

In conclusion, the snow guard for roofs provides protection from snow slides or avalanches from a snow accumulation upon a sloped or gabled roof structure. Rather than being permanently attached to the roof structure, the snow fence itself is removably placed within the slots of the mounting brackets to hold any snow accumulation atop the roof until removal is desired. When it is desired to remove the snow accumulation from the roof, the user need only lift the snow fence from its position in the mounting bracket slots, and possibly rake or otherwise move any accumulated snow from the roof past the eaves of the roof to fall upon the surface below. The snow guard permits the user to select the time for snow removal, rather than the snow randomly slipping from the roof and perhaps injuring persons or property below. The snow guard is particularly well adapted for installation upon roofs having sheet metal sheathing or covering, but may be adapted to other roof types as well. Accordingly, the present snow guard for roofs will prove to be a popular and valuable addition to roof structures in areas where snow accumulation is a problem or occurrence.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A snow guard for a roof, comprising: a plurality of snow fence mounting brackets adapted for spaced apart installation upon a roof, each of the brackets having at least a snow fence mounting flange having an upper edge and a slot defined therein extending from the upper edge into the snow fence mounting flange; and a snow fence element removably installed within the slot of each of the snow fence mounting brackets.
 2. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 1, wherein: each of said snow fence mounting brackets has a roof surface attachment flange adapted for resting upon the roof when said snow fence mounting brackets are installed thereon; and said snow fence element has a lower edge spaced above the roof surface attachment flange of each of said snow fence mounting brackets.
 3. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 1, wherein said snow fence element further comprises a single, elongate, flat, solid length of material having a thin, rectangular cross section.
 4. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 1, wherein each of said snow fence mounting brackets further includes a roof surface attachment flange substantially normal to the snow fence mounting flange thereof.
 5. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 1, wherein each of said snow fence mounting brackets further includes a roof surface attachment flange having at least one attachment hole formed therethrough, the snow guard further comprising a roof sheathing through-bolt disposed through the at least one attachment hole of each said roof surface attachment flange.
 6. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 1, wherein: each of said snow fence mounting brackets further includes a roof surface attachment flange; and the slot defined in each said snow fence mounting flange is substantially normal to said roof surface attachment flange.
 7. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 1, wherein: each of said snow fence mounting brackets further includes a roof surface attachment flange; and the slot defined in each said snow fence mounting flange forms an acute angle relative to said roof surface attachment flange.
 8. A snow guard for a roof, comprising: a plurality of snow fence mounting brackets adapted for spaced apart installation upon a roof, each of the brackets having a roof surface attachment flange adapted for resting upon the roof when the brackets are installed thereon; and a snow fence element disposed across the mounting brackets, the snow fence element having a lower edge spaced above the roof surface attachment flange of each of said snow fence mounting brackets when the snow fence element is mounted on the brackets.
 9. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 8, wherein: each of said snow fence mounting brackets has a snow fence mounting flange having an upper edge and a slot extending from the upper edge into the snow fence mounting flange; and said snow fence element is removably installed within the slot of each of said snow fence mounting brackets.
 10. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 8, wherein said snow fence element further comprises a single, elongate, flat, solid length of material having a thin, rectangular cross section.
 11. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 8, wherein each of said snow fence mounting brackets further includes a snow fence mounting flange substantially normal to the roof surface attachment flange.
 12. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 8, wherein each said roof surface attachment flange has at least one attachment hole formed therethrough, the snow guard further comprising a roof sheathing through-bolt disposed through the attachment hole of each said roof surface attachment flange.
 13. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 8, wherein each of said snow fence mounting brackets has a snow fence mounting flange having an upper edge and a slot extending from the upper edge into the snow fence mounting flange, the slot being substantially normal to said roof surface attachment flange.
 14. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 8, wherein each of said snow fence mounting brackets has a snow fence mounting flange having an upper edge and a slot extending from the upper edge into the snow fence mounting flange, the slot forming an acute angle relative to said roof surface attachment flange.
 15. A snow guard for a roof, comprising: a plurality of snow fence mounting brackets adapted for spaced apart installation upon a roof; and a single snow fence element comprising an elongate, flat, solid length of material having a thin, rectangular cross section, the snow fence element extending across the plurality of brackets.
 16. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 15, wherein each of said snow fence mounting brackets has a snow fence mounting flange having an upper edge and a slot extending from the upper edge into the snow fence mounting flange, said snow fence element being removably installed within the slots defined in said brackets.
 17. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 15, wherein: each of said snow fence mounting brackets has a roof surface attachment flange adapted for resting upon the roof when said snow fence mounting brackets are installed thereon; and said snow fence element has a lower edge spaced above the roof surface attachment flange of each of said snow fence mounting brackets.
 18. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 15, wherein each of said snow fence mounting brackets has a roof surface attachment flange adapted for resting upon the roof when said snow fence mounting brackets are installed thereon and a snow fence mounting flange substantially normal to said roof surface attachment flange.
 19. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 15, wherein each of said snow fence mounting brackets has a roof surface attachment flange adapted for resting upon the roof when said snow fence mounting brackets are installed thereon, the roof surface attachment flange having at least one attachment hole formed therethrough, the snow guard further comprising a roof sheathing through-bolt disposed through the attachment hole of each of the roof surface attachment flanges.
 20. The snow guard for a roof according to claim 15, wherein each of said snow fence mounting brackets has a roof surface attachment flange adapted for resting upon the roof when said snow fence mounting brackets are installed thereon, each of said snow fence mounting brackets having a snow fence mounting flange having an upper edge and a slot extending from the upper edge into the snow fence mounting flange, the slot of each said snow fence mounting flange is substantially normal to said roof surface attachment flange. 